2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Grand Edition

Mercs four-door coupe gets a wickedly cool new paint job.

We are still not convinced the four-door coupe is a legitimate species, but if there are such animals, the Mercedes-Benz CLS certainly defines the genre. Indeed, few other examples are available right now, and entries such as the Aston Martin Rapide or, less extravagant, the Audi A5 Sportback and the Audi A7 have yet to reach dealers.

The CLS, on the other hand, has been on sale long enough to be due a complete redesign in 2011, likely arriving as a 2012 model. It is, after all, no more (and no less) than a re-skinned E-class. And since that backbone of the Mercedes range will be replaced shortly, it makes sense for the CLS to move onto the next E-class platform as well.

But the first-generation CLS must carry on for another two years or so. To keep up interest, Mercedes is announcing the Grand Edition special series. The focus clearly is on design, as dark casings for the bi-xenon headlight units and 18-inch AMG wheels painted in titanium gray catch the eye. The interior is distinguished by an Alcantara headliner, matte or high-gloss laurel wood, brushed stainless-steel pedals, and special available maroon leather. Goodies such as the COMAND navigation system and a parking aid system are thrown in for good measure.

The big news is a new color dubbed “designo magno platinum,” and chances are you haven't seen anything like its matte, satiny finish on the road. The paint is "highly scratch- and dirt-resistant," Mercedes informs us, which is good, because you can't polish it like regular paint. Up to now, "magno" paint has only been available on the low-volume SL63 AMG Edition IWC, of which only 200 units were built. If that's too risky for you, the CLS Grand Edition is also available in four conventional metallic tones.

But that would be a pity. The CLS has never looked better than with the "magno" skin, which gives it an almost surreal and decidedly concept-car-like presence. Sketched by American designer Michael Fink, this four-door remains one of the most stunning designs on the road; it will be no easy feat for Mercedes' current design team to match the original CLS.

In Europe, the somewhat pompously named Grand Edition package is available with the full range of CLS engines and costs the equivalent of about $10,000 more than a normal CLS. The CLS63 AMG won't get the treatment, but AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg will certainly be happy to help out should you wish to have yours tailor-made. In the U.S., we get the package in the 5.5-liter V-8–powered CLS550, the only non-AMG model available here. Sales start in April.

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